Dubuque and CI split weekend series in home and home

Dubuque claimed three of four points over the weekend as they dropped the second half of their home and home to Central Illinois. The Fighting Saints fought back and forced overtime but ultimately came up just short, 3-2. After the weekend series, Central Illinois remains one point ahead of the Fighting Saints.

-Both games followed similar patterns, but the roles were reversed. Tonight, the Fighting Saints were the team that had to battle back from down 2-0 to force overtime. Just like last night, the team who ultimately battled back was downed in the extra stanza.

-Dubuque peppered Central Illinois with 34 shots to the Flying Aces 20. However, Central Illinois did just enough in the shootout to sneak past Dubuque. The Fighting Saints are now 0-2 this season in shootouts and are 1-3 in extra time.

-Central Illinois did their damage in a span of less than five minutes in the second period. Two shots from distance, both with screens in front, got past Matthew Thiessen. Outside of that Thiessen had a good game but was not tested much.

-Dubuque could have had four or five goals with the amount of zone time that they created. The issue was the Fighting Saints couldn’t get many chances in the high scoring areas after they created time in the zone.

-Willie Knierim, James Sanchez and Matias Maccelli were once again the best line on the ice. Maccelli scored along with Sanchez as the top three continued their torrid scoring. Sanchez contributed time and time again with assists over the last four games and found the back of the net tonight instead.

-Despite the shootout loss, the feeling in the locker room postgame was still positive. Dubuque secured three of four points over the weekend and their play tonight indicated that they could have had a few more as well.

-The three on three overtime period wasn’t incredibly eventful. Both teams possessed the puck for long periods of time without any real chances. Dubuque had a golden chance but JD Greenway had his stick lifted on a breakaway.

-Dubuque will have two games at home next weekend for the first time this season. Friday night they will take on the defending Clark Cup Champions the Fargo Force. On Saturday they will once again square off with the U-18 team. Saturday night will also mark Military Appreciation Night for the Dubuque Fighting Saints.